A business jet crashed at a North Carolina airport on December 18, and per statements from close friends, the crash resulted in the deaths of former NASCAR champion Greg Biffle and his family.
The driver, aged 55, was connected to the Cessna Citation 550 private jet, which he owned. It was reported by authorities that the aircraft crashed while landing at Statesville Regional Airport.
Close friend and fellow NASCAR driver Garrett Mitchell first took to Facebook with a statement that read: "Unfortunately, I can confirm Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder were on that plane… because they were on their way to spend the afternoon with us. We are devastated. I'm so sorry to share this."
Since 2023, Greg has been married to Cristina Grossu, with the pair welcoming a son, Ryder Jack, a few years prior in September 2020. He previously married Nicole Lunders in 2007, welcoming their daughter Emma Elizabeth in July 2011. They announced their separation in 2015 and were divorced the following year.
AP reports that the crash resulted in a large fire and there were multiple fatalities, with six people on board. It has not yet been confirmed by the authorities whether he was involved.
Richard Hudson, a member of the House of Representatives serving North Carolina's 9th Congressional District, was also a friend of the family's and finally confirmed the news on X. "I am devastated by the loss of Greg, Cristina, and their children, and my heart is with all who loved them," he wrote.
"They were friends who lived their lives focused on helping others. Greg was a great NASCAR champion who thrilled millions of fans. But he was an extraordinary person as well, and will be remembered for his service to others as much as for his fearlessness on the track. The Biffles flew hundreds of rescue missions in western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene."
He added: "The last time I spoke with Cristina, just a couple of weeks ago, she reached out to ask how she could help with relief efforts in Jamaica. That's who the Biffles were. Our prayers are with their family, friends, and everyone grieving this unimaginable loss."
The City of Statesville originally issued a statement at 11 AM EST, which read: "At approximately 10:15 AM, an aircraft crashed while landing. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is en route and will investigate the incident."
An hour later, while confirming it was still an "active" incident, they shared a further update on the situation: "Iredell County and the City of Statesville Emergency Response personnel are currently working the incident."
Greg's NASCAR career began in 1995 when he joined the Winter Heat series, dominating the competitions and catching the eye of Jack Roush. In 1996, his NASCAR stock car racing debut came in the Busch Series, earning Rookie of the Year titles in 1998 and 2001.
After winning the 2000 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, he joined the Busch Series full-time, placing fourth overall in his first season in 2001 and coming out on top in 2002. He ranked as high as 2nd place in the overall NASCAR Sprint Cup Classification in 2005 with Roush Racing.
He stopped racing full-time in 2016, becoming a contributor for NBC's NASCAR America the year after, although continued to race part-time, last racing at the 2025 Portland 112 as part of the ARCA Menards Series West.